Retired Ji Eunhee Says "Foreign Players Have Improved"

19 Years on the LPGA Tour, Sets Record as Oldest Korean Winner
Retirement Decision Driven by Injuries and Physical Challenges
International Players Improve Rapidly with Family Support, Korean-Style Training
Plans to Coach Tour Professionals

"I'm taking a good rest."

'Big Sister' Ji Eunhee has left the field. She put down her clubs for good after wrapping up her career at the BMW Ladies Championship (total prize money: 2.3 million dollars) held last month at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do. In an interview with The Asia Business Daily on the 7th, she said, "I had planned to play only through this year. While there are some regrets, I think this is the right time," adding, "I'm healing after retirement and recharging my energy," with a bright smile.

Ji Eunhee is smiling at the BMW Ladies Championship, her retirement tournament last month. Photo by BMW Ladies Championship Organizing Committee

With two wins in Korea and six in the United States, Ji Eunhee is truly an 'icon of perseverance.' She took up golf in sixth grade at the suggestion of her father, Ji Youngki, a former national water-skiing team coach. After dominating the amateur circuit, she joined the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour in 2005. Though she joined the tour later than many expected, she secured two victories on the KLPGA Tour in 2007 and then advanced to the LPGA Tour in 2008. In June of that year, she claimed her first victory on the American stage at the Wegmans LPGA.

Her success continued. In July 2009, she lifted the trophy at the US Women's Open, a major championship. She recalled, "That tournament is the most memorable for me. I can still vividly remember my play from that time." Although Ji Eunhee seemed poised to become one of the world's top players, she went a long stretch without a win. "I didn't win, but I did finish in the top 10," she said, emphasizing, "I never thought of it as a slump."

Ji Eunhee is receiving congratulations from her colleagues after winning her first career victory at the KLPGA Tour Phoenix Park Classic in May 2007. Provided by KLPGA

Ji Eunhee broke her drought in October 2017 at the Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship, winning after 8 years and 3 months-an incredible 3,025 days. She went on to claim titles at the KIA Classic in 2018 and the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions in 2019. At age 36, she set the record as the oldest Korean winner at the Bank of Hope Match Play in 2022. She reflected, "I think I'll never forget my last victory. It also gave me renewed confidence that I could win while competing against younger players."

But time is undefeated. As she entered her late thirties, the word 'retirement' started to follow her everywhere. Still, she consistently held her ground. "Every day was a new challenge. I endured with patience and a positive mindset," she revealed. She competed in 21 tournaments in 2023 and another 21 last year, going up against players more than ten years her junior. Ji Eunhee said, "As I got older, I started to feel aches and pains. Physical challenges became especially difficult. I decided now was the right time to retire."

Ji Eunhee (center) is smiling brightly as she receives a congratulatory cake at the BMW Ladies Championship retirement ceremony. Choi Woonjung (left) and Lee Miyang are holding bouquets, celebrating their senior's retirement. Provided by LPGA

Recently, international players have been dominating the LPGA Tour. Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and European players are also making strong showings. Although Korean players have combined for six wins this year, they haven't made a particularly strong impact. Ji Eunhee commented, "The skills of Korean players have not diminished. They are working extremely hard," adding, "Foreign players are now training in the Korean style. With their families supporting them, their skills are improving rapidly."

She also offered advice to her juniors aiming to play abroad. Ji Eunhee assessed, "Korean players have outstanding skills. They are more than capable of succeeding in the United States." However, she pointed out that thorough preparation is essential to win on a new stage. "On the LPGA Tour, there's a lot of travel. It's physically demanding. I've often seen rookie players struggle with traveling to tournaments. Managing your physical condition is crucial."

Ji Eunhee is celebrating while holding the trophy right after winning the 2022 Bank of Hope Match Play. Photo by LPGA

Ji Eunhee is the type to take a complete break at the end of the season. She doesn't touch her clubs for about three weeks. She said, "You need to rest to appreciate the value of golf. It makes you want to start again," adding, "It makes me want to play golf with a fresh mindset." She also shared her secret to a long career as a player. "I hope players don't confine themselves only to training. You need to relieve stress through various activities," she said. "If this problem isn't addressed, it could lead to an earlier retirement. You must take time to rest during the off-season and recharge your energy with a positive mindset."

Ji Eunhee played on the LPGA Tour for 19 years. Including domestic tours, she spent more than 20 years as a professional golfer. She said, "Since I've been running nonstop, I'll plan my second life more calmly." "I haven't made any specific plans yet," she added with a smile, "but I think I'll stay in golf. I think I'll coach tour players rather than amateurs."

Golf fans are visiting the BMW Ladies Championship venue to support Jiyoon Hee as she plays her retirement match. Provided by the BMW Ladies Championship Organizing Committee